Borrowing and Returning
Borrowing
- You can borrow the vast majority of the University Library's holdings.
- The media in each departmental library are arranged in such a way that you can access the stacks. You can use the online catalog (OPAC) to find a medium's location in the shelves (call number). The directory shows you the precise location and the shelf number. Please make a note of the call number and shelf number.
- Simply take the media from the shelf. You can use our self-checkout terminal to borrow materials, or you can check out media at the circulation desk.
- Please note the colored markings on the labeling of media. Items with yellow and red stripes are subject to borrowing restrictions. You can order media from the stacks to be used in a departmental library of your choice.
Returning
- You can return borrowed materials at any time during opening hours at the circulation desk of any departmental library.
- There is also an automated return machine available at the IKMZ at the Golm Campus.
- Late fees begin to accrue if you do not return materials in a timely fashion, or if you do not extend the due date in a timely manner.
- The amount of the fees is oriented to the current fee schedule. You can pay cashless at the pay machines using the PUCK (chip card for students) or Girocard (former EC card). In Babelsberg/Griebnitzsee and Golm you will find the pay machines inside the departmental libraries, at Neues Palais in building 8 (in front of the ZIM secretary's office, entrance on the right next to the cafeteria).
Borrowing Deadlines and Conditions
| Media | Due dates | Due date extension | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| lendable literature | 4 weeks | up to 5 renewals possible (4 weeks each, online in the user account) If you require further due date extensions, please present the item in person at the library. | The due date cannot be extended for materials that have been reserved by other library users. Special due dates are possible for researchers and instructors at the University of Potsdam. |
| lendable DVD | 1 week | up to 5 renewals possible (1 week each, online in the user account) If you require further due date extensions, please present the item in person at the library. | The due date cannot be extended for materials that have been reserved by other library users. Special due dates are possible for researchers and instructors at the University of Potsdam. |
| textbook collection (yellow stripe on the shelf mark) | 4 weeks | up to 5 renewals possible (4 weeks each, online in the user account) | Only students at the University of Potsdam can borrow these items. |
| reference materials, including journals (red stripes on the shelf mark) | not lendable | not possible | Please ask the information desk at the library about options for briefly borrowing these materials. Special due dates are possible for researchers and instructors. |
| valuable or historical holdings; rare materials | not lendable | not possible | Use is typically only permitted upon appointment in a special reading room in the IKMZ Golm. Please contact the information desk at your departmental library for more information. |
| reference materials | by individual agreement | by individual agreement | The terms of use for reference material are set by the owner of the course reference materials. Please contact the information desk at your departmental library for more information. |
| course reserve materials | not lendable | not possible | These media typically cannot be borrowed for the duration of the semester. Special due dates are possible in consultation with the course reserve owner. Please contact the information desk at your departmental library for more information. |
Paying Fees
Fees up to 50 euros can be paid cashless at the pay machines with the PUCK (chip card for students) or Girocard (former EC card). In Babelsberg/Griebnitzsee and Golm you will find the pay machines inside the departmental libraries, at Neues Palais in building 8 (in front of the ZIM secretary's office, entrance on the right next to the cafeteria).
Payment by cash is only possible in Golm.
Payment of fees by bank transfer is also possible. Please be aware of the longer processing time for bank transfers. Your user account will be credited only after the University Library has received the money. Please provide the following information on the transfer form:
Account holder: Landeshauptkasse Potsdam
Bank: Landesbank Hessen-Thuringia
Account number: 7110402844
BLZ: 300 500 00
Purpose 1: 1006600000075
Purpose 2: Name, matriculation number or ID card number PUCK
BIC/SWIFT: WELADEDDXXX
IBAN: EN09300500007110402844